Surgeons respond to Prime Ministers Plan for Change speech

Commenting specifically on the Prime Minister's ‘milestones’ for NHS waiting times, Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England), said: 

“Patients and NHS staff will be relieved the Prime Minister has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cutting waiting times and meeting the 18-week standard. Too many people have been left to wait too long in pain, and possibly unable to work or go about their daily lives, without hope of relief.  

“However, the PM’s speech gave little away on how this ‘milestone’ will be met. Surgeons would like to see the government set out a clear and detailed roadmap for achieving the 18-week standard within this parliament, including annual targets for reducing waits of over a year, and the total waiting list. It must also set out how extra funding for the NHS announced in the Budget will be used to meet the target. This will make progress measurable and give the public confidence that the extra funding the NHS has received is being well spent.” 
  
ENDS 

Notes to editors:

1. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients.  
2. For more information, please contact the Press Office: Telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; Out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.